On June 19, 1988, Pope John Paul II canonized 117 Vietnamese Martyrs at St. Peter's Square before thousands of overseas Vietnamese who had gathered from around the world. Twenty years later, on November 24, 2008, the Archbishop of Hanoi designated the town of So Kien—a historic Catholic settlement 70 kilometers south of Hanoi—as Vietnam's National Pilgrimage Center of Vietnamese Martyrs, creating a sacred destination where the memory of those who died for the faith between 1745 and 1862 would be preserved for future generations.
So Kien sits beside the Day River in Ha Nam Province, surrounded by limestone mountains and rice paddies. This small town in Kien Khe commune, Thanh Liem district, has been a Catholic stronghold since the 17th century, surviving waves of persecution that claimed the lives of two local martyrs: Fr. Peter Truong Van Thi and Catechist Peter Truong Van Duong. Today, the town serves approximately 8,000 Catholic parishioners across six communes and draws tens of thousands of pilgrims annually, especially for the Feast of Vietnamese Martyrs on November 24.
At the heart of So Kien rises a Gothic basilica—Vietnam's only building modeled after the Duomo di Milano—commissioned in 1877 and completed five years later. The cathedral measures 67.2 meters long with twin 27-meter bell towers, large enough to hold nearly 5,000 pilgrims. Inside, the basilica houses relics of the Vietnamese martyrs, recently repatriated from France, along with instruments of torture used during the 19th-century persecutions: chains, ropes, pillories, and stocks that serve as silent witnesses to the price these men and women paid for their faith.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
During the height of religious persecution under the Nguyen Dynasty in the mid-19th century, Catholic communities sought refuge in remote areas where the imperial court's reach was limited. The limestone mountains along the Day River in what is now Ha Nam Province provided such a refuge. Here, in a location strategically chosen for its defensibility, the Catholic community of Sở Kiện (So Kien) established itself as a center of faith that would eventually serve the entire West Tonkin Diocese for over six decades.
The Nhà in Ninh Phủ (Ninh Phu Printing Facility) began operations in 1868, using European technology to produce both religious texts and secular literature. This remarkable enterprise operated for 61 years until 1929, spreading Catholic teaching and Vietnamese literacy throughout the region. The printing press became a symbol of the community's commitment to education and evangelization even in the face of ongoing persecution.
In 1877, Bishop Paul-François Puginier of the Paris Foreign Missions Society commissioned the construction of a monumental Gothic cathedral to serve the growing Catholic population. The bishop envisioned a church that would rival the great cathedrals of Europe, and he succeeded—contemporary observers described the completed basilica as "the most resplendent in Indochina at the time." The structure drew architectural inspiration from the Duomo di Milano, making it a unique blend of European Gothic tradition and Vietnamese Catholic identity.
The cathedral was completed in 1882 and immediately became the cathedral church of the West Tonkin Diocese, serving as the administrative and spiritual center for Catholics across northern Vietnam. A major seminary was established (rebuilt in 1897) to train Vietnamese priests for diocesan service, reinforcing So Kien's role as an intellectual and formational hub for the Vietnamese Church.
During this period, two men from the So Kien community achieved the crown of martyrdom. Fr. Peter Truong Van Thi, a diocesan priest, and Peter Truong Van Duong, a catechist, were captured and executed for their refusal to renounce the Catholic faith. They joined the ranks of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs who would later be canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Their remains were preserved by the local community and eventually enshrined in the basilica.
The cathedral served as the diocesan seat until 1936, when the ecclesiastical administration relocated to Hanoi. However, So Kien retained its importance as a pilgrimage destination and parish center, continuing to serve approximately 8,000 parishioners across six communes in the Thanh Liem district.
On November 24, 2008—the Feast of the Vietnamese Martyrs—the Archbishop of Hanoi designated So Kien as the "Shrine of the Martyrs of the Archdiocese of Hanoi," recognizing its historical significance and the presence of martyrs' relics. Two years later, on December 8, 2010, the Holy See elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica, granting it the title Basilica of the Vietnamese Martyrs of So Kien. This double honor acknowledged both the architectural magnificence of the building and its role as keeper of the martyrs' memory.
In recent years, the basilica has welcomed the return of martyrs' relics from France, where they had been preserved since the 19th century. The relics of Fr. Peter Truong Van Thi and other Vietnamese martyrs who died in French custody or were transported to France for safekeeping have now been repatriated, allowing Vietnamese pilgrims to venerate them in their homeland. On January 2, 2026, the Thanh Oai Deanery organized one of many regular pilgrimages to So Kien, demonstrating the basilica's continued importance in the spiritual life of Vietnamese Catholics.
Plans are currently underway to develop a heritage center and expanded pilgrimage complex adjacent to the basilica, which will include exhibition spaces dedicated to the history of Catholic persecution in Vietnam and the stories of individual martyrs. The goal is to create a comprehensive educational resource for younger generations of Vietnamese Catholics and international visitors seeking to understand the price of religious freedom.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in So Kien
Basilica of the Vietnamese Martyrs
Vương Cung Thánh Đường Sở Kiện
The Gothic cathedral dominates the riverside landscape with its twin 27-meter bell towers and soaring nave. The exterior preserves its original 1882 design, modeled after Milan's Duomo, with pointed arches, flying buttresses, and intricate stonework carved by Vietnamese craftsmen under French supervision. The facade features a large rose window above the main entrance, flanked by statues of Vietnamese saints and martyrs added during the 20th century.
Inside, the basilica can accommodate 4,000 to 5,000 worshipers. The central nave stretches 67.2 meters, drawing the eye toward the high altar and the martyrs' shrine behind it. Fourteen Stations of the Cross, executed in painted wood, line the side aisles. Stained glass windows installed in the early 20th century depict scenes from the lives of Vietnamese martyrs, filtering tropical sunlight into pools of colored light on the stone floor.
A 140-year-old statue of the Virgin Mary, brought from France in the 1880s, occupies a place of honor in a side chapel. The statue survived multiple periods of anti-religious persecution, hidden by parishioners during times when displaying Catholic imagery could result in imprisonment or death. Today it is one of the most venerated images in the archdiocese, with pilgrims often leaving flowers and prayer intentions at Mary's feet.
The basilica's four bronze bells—cast in France and transported to Vietnam in the late 19th century—remain in active use. The largest bell, weighing 2,461 kilograms, rings for major feast days and solemn liturgical celebrations. The bells' deep tones can be heard across the Day River valley, calling the faithful to prayer as they have for nearly a century and a half.
Shrine of the Vietnamese Martyrs
Within the basilica, a specially designated shrine houses the relics and remains of Fr. Peter Truong Van Thi, Catechist Peter Truong Van Duong, and other Vietnamese martyrs whose remains have been repatriated from France. The shrine features marble reliquaries containing fragments of bone and personal effects, each labeled with the martyr's name, date of death, and manner of execution.
Instruments of torture used during the 19th-century persecutions are displayed in glass cases: iron chains that bound prisoners' ankles, ropes used for suspension torture, wooden pillories that held victims' necks and wrists, and stocks that immobilized prisoners for days. These artifacts provide visceral testimony to the suffering endured by Vietnamese Catholics who refused to trample the cross or renounce their baptism.
A series of painted panels along the shrine walls depicts key moments in the persecution narrative: the 1833 edict of Emperor Minh Mang ordering the destruction of churches, the 1857 execution of Spanish Dominican missionaries, the beheading of Vietnamese priests, and the drowning of catechists weighted with stones. These visual narratives help pilgrims—especially younger Vietnamese who have grown up in an era of relative religious freedom—understand the historical context of their faith.
Prayer candles burn continuously before the reliquaries, maintained by a rotation of parish volunteers who also staff the shrine during pilgrimage seasons. Pilgrims are encouraged to spend time in silent prayer before the martyrs' remains, asking for the intercession of these holy men and women who demonstrated heroic witness to Christ.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of the Vietnamese Martyrs — November 24
The principal feast of So Kien Basilica draws tens of thousands of pilgrims from across northern Vietnam. The celebration begins with an outdoor procession featuring relics of the martyrs, carried by priests and deacons in elaborate vestments. The procession winds through the streets of Kien Khe town before returning to the basilica for Solemn High Mass.
Archbishop of Hanoi (or his representative) typically presides at the liturgy, joined by dozens of concelebrating priests from parishes throughout the archdiocese. The homily focuses on the witness of the 117 canonized martyrs and the estimated 130,000 to 300,000 Vietnamese Catholics who died for the faith between 1630 and 1886. After Mass, pilgrims venerate the martyrs' relics individually, often waiting in lines that stretch outside the basilica.
Traditional Vietnamese Catholic hymns honor the martyrs, many composed in the 19th century and passed down through oral tradition. The celebration continues into the evening with a candlelight vigil, where pilgrims hold prayer services in the basilica and surrounding grounds. Food stalls operated by parish groups provide traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and the atmosphere combines solemn remembrance with joyful celebration of faith.
Anniversary of the Canonization — June 19
On June 19, the anniversary of Pope John Paul II's 1988 canonization of the Vietnamese Martyrs, So Kien hosts a special Mass of thanksgiving. This feast has particular emotional resonance for older Vietnamese Catholics who remember the persecution under communist rule and the joy of seeing their martyrs officially recognized by the universal Church.
The liturgy incorporates readings from Pope John Paul II's canonization homily, in which he declared, "Once again we can say that the blood of the martyrs is for you, Christians of Vietnam, a source of grace to progress in the faith." Special prayers are offered for the Church in Vietnam, for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and for continued religious freedom.
Pilgrimage groups from parishes across the Archdiocese of Hanoi organize bus trips to So Kien for this celebration. The day includes catechetical talks about the martyrs' lives, opportunities for confession, and extended hours for veneration of the relics. Young people are especially encouraged to attend, with youth groups organizing activities that help teenagers connect with their Catholic heritage.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Melia Vinpearl Phu Ly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Located in Phu Ly city (20 km from So Kien), this luxury hotel offers modern amenities including spa services, indoor pool, and multiple dining options. Ideal for pilgrims seeking comfort after visiting the basilica. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam (boutique hotel) — Riverside hotel in Phu Ly with outdoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant serving Vietnamese and international cuisine. Approximately 20 km from So Kien Basilica with easy access via Highway 1A. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Basilica Pilgrim Guesthouse (pilgrim accommodation) — Simple rooms adjacent to So Kien Basilica, operated by the parish for pilgrims attending extended retreats or multi-day celebrations. Advance reservation required through parish office. Contact: sokien.org@gmail.com
🚗 Getting There
By Air: The nearest international airport is Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, approximately 85 km north of So Kien. From the airport, travelers can arrange private taxi transfer (1.5 hours) or take public bus to Hanoi and continue south.
By Train: Phu Ly Railway Station, located 20 km from So Kien, is served by trains on the North-South Railway line connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Regional trains from Hanoi to Phu Ly take approximately 1.5 hours. From Phu Ly station, local taxis or motorcycle taxis can complete the journey to Kien Khe.
By Bus: Regular bus service operates from Hanoi's Giap Bat Bus Station to Ha Nam Province. Buses heading to Phu Ly or Thanh Liem district pass near So Kien. Travel time is approximately 2 hours depending on traffic. Ask the driver to stop at Kien Khe (Sở Kiện).
By Car: From Hanoi, take Highway 1A (also known as National Route 1) southbound toward Nam Dinh. After approximately 60 km, exit at signs for Thanh Liem district and follow local roads to Kien Khe town. The basilica's bell towers are visible from the main approach road. Limited parking is available near the basilica; during major feast days, overflow parking is provided in nearby fields.
Local Transport: Many parishes in the Archdiocese of Hanoi organize bus pilgrimages to So Kien, especially for the November 24 feast. Contact your parish office for scheduled group trips, which typically include transportation, guided tours, and participation in liturgical celebrations.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Jacob Ramsay, Mandarins and Martyrs: The Church and the Nguyen Dynasty in Early Nineteenth-Century Vietnam — Comprehensive historical study of Catholic persecution under the Nguyen emperors, providing essential context for understanding the Vietnamese Martyrs. (Stanford University Press, 2008)
Charles Keith, Catholic Vietnam: A Church from Empire to Nation — Examines the development of Vietnamese Catholicism from colonial period through modern era, including chapters on martyrdom and memory. (University of California Press, 2012)
Online Resources:
Vietnamese Martyrs Website — Comprehensive database of all 117 canonized martyrs with biographical information, dates of execution, and historical context.
Vatican News: Saints Andrew Dũng Lạc and Companions — Vatican's official saint profiles for the Vietnamese Martyrs, including liturgical texts and historical overview.
🔗 Useful Links
So Kien Basilica — Official website with Mass schedules, pilgrimage information, and contact details. Email: sokien.org@gmail.com
Archdiocese of Hanoi — Archdiocesan website with news, pastoral resources, and information about pilgrimage sites within the archdiocese.
Ha Nam Tourism — Official tourism website for Ha Nam Province with information about accommodations, transportation, and cultural sites.
Vietnam Catholic Tours — Specialized tour operator organizing Catholic pilgrimage itineraries throughout Vietnam, including So Kien.
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
Northern Vietnam Catholic Pilgrimage Circuit — A week-long pilgrimage itinerary connecting the major Catholic sites of northern Vietnam: Hanoi's St. Joseph Cathedral (70 km north) → So Kien Basilica → Phat Diem Cathedral in Ninh Binh (50 km southeast) → Phu Nhai Basilica in Nam Dinh (60 km southeast of Phat Diem). Organized groups typically complete this circuit in 5-7 days with overnight stays at each location. The route follows the Day River valley, passing through landscapes of limestone karsts and rice paddies.
Vietnamese Martyrs Trail — An emerging pilgrimage concept linking sites associated with the 117 canonized martyrs across Vietnam. So Kien serves as the northern anchor point, with routes extending south to La Vang Basilica (Our Lady of La Vang) and west to sites in former Tonkin where martyrs were executed. This long-distance pilgrimage is typically undertaken in stages over multiple years.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Hanoi (70 km north) — Capital city and seat of the Archdiocese of Hanoi, home to St. Joseph Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Vietnam and a symbol of Catholic resilience through decades of persecution and political upheaval.
Phat Diem (50 km southeast) — Historic stone cathedral town in Ninh Binh Province, featuring a remarkable 1875-1899 cathedral built in Vietnamese architectural style that blends Catholic liturgical requirements with traditional pagoda aesthetics.
Phu Nhai (100 km southeast) — Major Marian pilgrimage destination in Nam Dinh Province, home to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception that attracts large crowds for Marian feast days.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Once again we can say that the blood of the martyrs is for you, Christians of Vietnam, a source of grace to progress in the faith and to proclaim it with that joy which finds its origin in the Holy Spirit." — Pope John Paul II, Homily for the Canonization of 117 Vietnamese Martyrs, June 19, 1988